Models for epigenetic gold exploration in the northern Cordilleran Orogen, Yukon, Canada

Abstract

A variety of gold deposit styles formed in response to Mesozoic and Cenozoic metamorphic, plutonic and volcanic events associated with the formation of the northern Canadian Cordilleran orogen. Orogenic lodes are two ages. The oldest are as old as Jurassic and formed after peak metamorphism of the Yukon-Tanana terrane. These lodes likely contributed to the Klondike placer deposits. The youngest orogenic veins formed during the Eocene during metamorphism and uplift of more outboard terranes. Intrusionrelated gold ores are mainly related to far-inboard post-orogenic, reduced mid-Cretaceous intrusions. These occurrences comprise the Tombstone Gold Belt as well as other gold districts in Yukon. Epithermal gold ores formed in association with Late Cretaceous to Eocene subaerial volcanism. Differentiation of the gold deposit models are important first steps for exploration targeting in regions of complex geology.